At PatentWear, we explore inventions and their remarkable stories, make surprising discoveries, and honor brilliant ideas and their inventors. With the impacts of patents on our society—both large and small, some practical, others bordering on crazy—we think the world of patents is, at the very least, fascinating.
Our modern societies were built upon the ideas of countless visionary thinkers—those curious, enthusiastic, and sometimes obsessed inventors whose tinkering habits have often sparked whole new industries. Behind every patent are the stories of those people who envisioned the idea which led to the invention and ultimately, to the patent. Stories of intrigue, controversy, mayhem, and even murder swirl around some patents, while volumes have been written about their compelling histories. Many of those ideas—often forced to overcome formidable struggles for acceptance in their own time—are now so easily taken for granted by most of us. We hope you’ll join us in discovering and celebrating the spirit of so many inspired geniuses and their inventions with a few selections of your own from our patent art offerings. Be sure to browse THE STORY behind each patent design, too… we always include them (found in the tab below each product description), and feel they add to the unique value and understanding of our PatentWear selections.
Originally established in 1995 with our initial Museum Series designs (which were then available only to wholesalers), we have since greatly expanded and updated our entire line of patent design apparel, and have added ever-popular tote bags, mugs, and prints that are all now available to retail customers via our online store. As we continue to grow, we’ll be adding interesting new items and designs all the time—please check back often and, be sure to sign up for our occasional E-Newsletter to get the most up-to-date information (we will never share or sell any of your information, and you may opt out any time!). You can also keep up with us on any of our social networks, where we will offer all sorts of information, updates, discounts and new offers.
Hell, there are no rules here—we’re just trying to accomplish something.
~Thomas A. Edison
All PatentWear designs are our own originals created, after extensive research, from actual patents. They include significant dates, numbers, and inventors just as the patents were filed (despite the inevitable stories of controversy behind some about who the “real” inventor might be!) and whenever possible, an enlarged version of the inventor’s signature as well. Each of our designs takes as many as forty hours to produce, from initial research through the design and art production phases, and finally, to printing. We use an eco-friendly water-based ink process that is long-wearing and, with a sometimes slightly muted tone, it perfectly captures the essence of our vintage patent art designs—some of which are based on patents that date as far back as the early 1800s.
We offer these designs printed on a variety of garments in pleasing colors, trusting that you will enjoy making some exciting new—and old—discoveries of your own.
Our Team
The team here at PatentWear is passionate about history, inventions, and obscure-yet-exciting facts. With a healthy dose of curiosity, and a love for all things design, we’ve become a dynamic group of motivated researchers, illustrators, and designers, called PatentWear. Our own enthusiasm for the stories behind patents and their often exquisite art compels us to eagerly share those discoveries through carefully-crafted designs as wearable art—and now usable mug and wall art, too.
We all play hard, work harder, drink a little tea and coffee daily, read lots, appreciate our earthly environment, and dream as if we, too, were inventors. We are brimming with new design ideas, and we look forward to offering them to you as soon as we humanly can. We welcome your own great ideas and suggestions for favorite patent subjects as well. Just drop us a line via the Contact Us form.
Our Mission
We hope you’ll browse our themes, enjoy THE STORY behind the patents (in tab found under each product), order a few favorites, pass the word on to your family and friends, join us on social media if you wish, and slip into a little bit of history through the captivating world of patents with us here at PatentWear.
Image: James Barron’s attempt to stay cool with his “Fan Moved by Mechanism,” patented on March 3, 1837. Drawing from Record Group 241, Records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
